"I don’t understand why race is so complicated... But I know that we don’t learn unless we ask questions and have conversations. That is what opens people’s minds — having an encounter and learning from each other."
Erica Chisolm is a fine artist and muralist who has a vision of bringing art, beauty, and inspiration to pedestrians in Black communities -- highlighting surrounding businesses, encouraging walkability, and adding value to the neighborhoods Erica describes as "culture-rich and art poor." With a mission to help others realize their opportunity to dream, the Urban Impact fellow and National Black Arts Festival award recipient is painting her way through Birmingham's historic Fourth Avenue Business District.…
We want to be clear. Create Birmingham is an anti-racism organization. We strive, entrepreneur by entrepreneur, to build an inclusive and just economy in which Black business ownership is equitably resourced and purposefully nurtured. We intentionally spotlight and celebrate Black thought, contribution, and achievement in the arts and all creative work, and we will continue to seek out ways to amplify Black voices. We believe that all humans are born with a spirit of creativity…
T. Marie King is an activist, facilitator, organizer, and volunteer. Serving on the core coalition for the Jefferson County Memorial Project and the board of the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative, T. Marie has combined her passion for the arts with her purpose of advocating for social change. Her most recent venture is Local Voices Network, a community-driven platform that shares the stories of those whose voices often go unheard. https://youtu.be/iZS7lHfrL88
Last week, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT), was signed into law. The $2 trillion emergency stimulus package includes direct support for both nonprofit cultural organizations and state and local arts and humanities agencies, as well as economic relief provisions for independent contractors, "gig economy" workers and artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses working in the creative economy. The nation's arts and culture industry is experiencing devastating economic losses with closed venues and…